SKYCITY MYSTICS TEAM COMPLETE
The SKYCITY Mystics have confirmed the signing of England international Sasha Corbin for the new ANZ Netball Elite League starting next year.
The English mid-courter will fill the import slot in the Mystics 2017 line-up and joins young defenders Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and Brooke Watt as the latest recruited by incoming head coach Helene Wilson.
Corbin has represented England 56 times since making her international debut against Malawi in 2008. She is the sister of English goal attack Kadeen and was named Superleague player of the year in 2013.
Injury robbed her of a place in the English Roses to compete in this year’s Quad Series against the Silver Ferns, Australian Diamonds and South Africa but the 28-year-old is looking forward to the challenge of playing in New Zealand’s elite netball league.
SKYCITY Mystics chief executive Julie Paterson said Sasha Corbin continued strong links between the Auckland-based franchise and England with both Serena Guthrie (2015-2016) and Jade Clarke (2012) having worn the blue strip in the ANZ Championship.
“Sasha brings her international flair to the SKYCITY Mystics which will add considerable experience to the mid-court,” Paterson said. “Michaela went from strength to strength when she got court time in the ANZ Championship and was an obvious reselection for us. Brooke is another player who made her mark in the Beko Netball League and is ready to take the next step up.”
Sokolich-Beatson, who has been a member of national schools and under-21 teams, was part of the Mystics squad this year and featured in the second half of the season when she took her opportunities on court at goal defence.
Watt was a member of Northern’s Beko League team this season but has also been a training partner for the Central Pulse in previous ANZ Championships.
The SKYCITY Mystics have now confirmed 10 players for the new elite league including Maria Tutaia, Anna Harrison, Bailey Mes, Storm Purvis, Elisapeta Toeava, Samon Nathan, Tera-Maria Amani alongside Corbin, Sokolich-Beatson and Watt.